Playhouse Theatre

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Uploaded on: March 13, 2021

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In 1925 Anthony Shimko, who had been in the amusement business in New York, designed, planned, owned and managed the Patio Theater located at 1850 Central Ave.

Seating capacity was 1250 between the main floor and balcony. It is said that the seats were made of “material that will withstand exposure to weather”, as this theater was originally “open air”. The windows were open portals and weren’t closed in until a few years later.

The Depression hit everyone in St. Petersburg hard, including Anthony Shimko and his Patio Theater. He was foreclosed on and went into receivership in 1932.